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Medicare Now Funds Speech Pathology for Some Children: What Families Need to Know (2026 Update)
From 1 March 2026, Medicare expanded funding for speech pathology to support children and young people with certain speech conditions.
Under the Medicare M10 item group, eligible children and young people under 25 years of age may access up to 28 speech pathology sessions across assessment and treatment.
Unlike yearly care plans, these sessions do not reset each year. They remain available until the person turns 25 years old, giving families more flexibility in how therapy is used.
This change is part of a $74.9 million Australian Government investment aimed at improving access to speech pathology for hundreds of thousands of young Australians.
At Innerlink Therapy, we often help families navigate Medicare, NDIS, and private funding. Here is what this new pathway means for you.
What Changed in Medicare for Speech Pathology in 2026?
Previously, many children with speech sound disorders or stuttering could only access five allied health sessions per year through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP).
Speech pathology under this plan is billed under MBS item 10970, which is shared across all allied health providers.
For many families, five sessions per year was not enough to support meaningful progress.
The new M10 pathway allows eligible children to access a lifetime bank of therapy sessions rather than a small number of sessions each year.
When Can Families Use These Speech Therapy Sessions?
Therapy can be used when it matters most, such as:
• early childhood intervention
• starting school
• during key developmental stages
• when communication demands increase
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Speech Pathology Under the M10 Pathway?
Children and young people under 25 years of age may qualify if they have one of the following conditions.
ConditionﾠExamples:
• Speech Sound Disorders (SSD), articulation or phonological disorders,
• Motor Speech Disorders, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS or dyspraxia) or dysarthria,
• Cleft Lip or Palate, structural differences affecting speech, and
• Fluency Disorders, stuttering.
Conditions Not Currently Included
At this stage, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and general speech language delays are not included in the M10 pathway.
However, families may still be able to access support through:
• GP Chronic Condition Management Plans
• NDIS funding
• Private health insurance
• Private therapy
How Many Medicare Speech Pathology Sessions Are Available?
Under the M10 pathway, eligible children can access up to 28 total sessions across assessment and therapy.
Session TypeﾠMaximum SessionsﾠMinimum Duration
Assessment and managementﾠUp to 8,ﾠ50 minutes
Treatment sessionsﾠUp to 20,ﾠ30 minutes
Medicare Item Numbers for Speech Pathology (M10)
Assessment services
82005 face to face speech pathology assessment
93033 video telehealth assessment
93041 telephone assessment
Treatment services
82020 face to face speech pathology treatment
93036 video telehealth treatment
93044 telephone treatment
These sessions are not renewed annually. Families and clinicians can plan when to use them across childhood and adolescence.
Medicare Speech Pathology Rebates: What Will It Cost?
Medicare currently provides a rebate of around $87.25 per session as at early 2026.
Speech pathology fees are typically higher than the rebate, meaning there may be a gap payment depending on the provider.
Even with a gap, the M10 pathway can significantly reduce therapy costs. Across 28 sessions, the Medicare rebate can provide substantial financial support for families.
How to Access Medicare Speech Therapy for Your Child
The process is simple.
• Book an appointment with your GP, paediatrician, specialist, or consultant physician
• Request a referral under the Medicare M10 item group
• Contact Innerlink Therapy to arrange your speech pathology appointment
Referral Requirements
From 1 July 2025, referrals no longer need to specify the exact number of sessions.
Your speech pathologist must also be a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist to claim Medicare rebates.
Can My Child Use the M10 Pathway and a GP Care Plan?
Yes.
The M10 pathway and the Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) operate separately.
This means children may be able to access:
• Up to 5 sessions per year under CCMP (item 10970)
• Up to 28 lifetime sessions under the M10 pathway
The only restriction is that two Medicare sessions cannot be claimed on the same day for the same person.
Why Early Speech Therapy Matters for Children
Speech and communication skills are essential for:
• making friends
• learning at school
• expressing needs and ideas
• building confidence
Many families previously struggled to access enough therapy through Medicare.
The expansion of the M10 pathway recognises the importance of early and ongoing support for speech development.
Speech Pathology Support at Innerlink Therapy
At Innerlink Therapy, our speech pathologists support children, adolescents, and adults with communication and speech needs.
We work closely with families, educators, and other professionals to create practical, meaningful therapy plans tailored to each individual.
Need Help Understanding the Medicare M10 Pathway?
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies for the Medicare M10 pathway, our team can help you understand:
• eligibility requirements
• how Medicare works alongside NDIS funding
• what the next steps look like for your child
Quick Eligibility Checklist
Your child may be eligible if:
• they are under 25 years old
• they have stuttering, speech sound disorder, CAS, dysarthria, or cleft lip or palate
• they have a referral from a GP or specialist
• their speech pathologist is eligible to claim Medicare
If you would like to learn more about speech pathology services or discuss whether Medicare funding may apply to your child, contact Innerlink Therapy to speak with our team.
Early support can make a lasting difference, helping children build confidence, strengthen communication, and thrive in everyday life.
Innerlink Therapy
Shop 1, 41–43 Knox St, Belmore NSW 2192
Email: info@innerlinktherapy.com.au